Page 44 of Flick

He pulled into the compound. Rose and Della immediately started laughing, which woke Beth up. She saw her dad standing by the front door of the clubhouse and joined in the giggling.

“Hmm, looks like Dad wants a chat,” Beth said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “Good luck,” she said, then bailed out of the car as soon as it stopped. She, Della, and Rose headed down the paved road toward Regina’s house. Well, looked like he was on his own.

He got out of the car and walked up to his future father-in-law.

“Locks, I’d like to ask for your blessing to marry Beth,” Flick said.

“Boy’s got balls asking for my blessing when he hasn’t told me why. Do you love her?” Locks asked.

“More than life. In fact, I can’t see a life without her in it,” Flick said.

Locks stuck out his hand and shook Flick’s.

“Come in here and let me get you a drink while you tell me all about the assignment and introduce me to who I assume is your brother,” Locks said, motioning behind Flick.

Flick stayed still, not believing that it was going to be this easy. When Gunner introduced himself and Locks welcomed him, then went inside, Flick realized he’d passed a test. Beth was going to be his, and Locks would be his father-in-law. Now to figure out how to propose.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

It was the day after Flick and Beth had returned. Flick had spent the morning getting an engagement ring for Beth. Luckily, there was a jeweler in Dodge City. He was picking Beth up for a late lunch at the lake.

Besides his bike, he had a 2006 Jeep Wrangler that he drove. He’d taken the top off when he got back from Dodge City. He had a picnic basket, a blanket, the ring, and snacks for the dogs too.

He parked in front of Beth’s, and she came out of the house with the three dogs.

“Are you sure you want them to go?” she asked.

“Yep,” he said, holding the door open for Moss and Dolly to jump in. He reached down and lifted Lilly in. With his large tires and the lifted frame, there was no way Lilly could jump in the vehicle.

He tugged Beth close, kissing her hello before helping her into her seat. He’d warned her they were taking the Jeep with the topdown. She had on a blackFranks and Daughters Bail Bondshat with her hair in a ponytail out the back of the cap.

Beth chatted all the way there, and Flick tried to keep track of the conversation, but the closer they got to the lake, the more his stomach was churning. He was positive she’d say yes, but it still made him nervous. He parked as close to their spot as possible, then carried the hamper while Beth made sure the dogs stayed with them. Once they were at their spot, he spread the blanket on the ground and then helped Beth onto the blanket, sitting across from her.

“Oh my gosh, Flick. You look like you’re going to puke. Are you getting sick?” she asked.

He shook his head and grinned at her. Blue eyes, pale, creamy skin, and her thick red hair had her looking gorgeous today.

“Beth, you’re my best friend,” he said.

“Yes,” she replied.

He continued staring at her. “I didn’t think it would be this hard.”

Beth leaned over, sliding her hand across the zipper of his shorts. “I like things hard.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

She chuckled. “Flick, you’re my best friend too, and I love you.”

Flick nodded, breathing deep because the nausea was growing, not going away. “I love you too. Will you do me the honor of being my wife and my Ol’ Lady?” he asked quickly.

“Yes.”

“Yes? That’s it?” he asked.

“Was I supposed to say no?” she asked.

“No, but I figured you’d have a million questions,” Flick said.